Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

Is the Tamanu Losing Turf? DIstribution and Propogation of the Economically Important Calophyllum Inophyllum of Moorea

Abstract

French Polynesia’s indigenous tamanu Tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) is an important natural resource harvested for lumber, resin, and oil. Being a marine-seed dispersed species it self-propagates and can be found growing along the coastline of Moorea. Development and harvest patterns on Moorea may be slowing the natural reproductive rate of the species. Fifty years ago it was recommended as a species to include in management programs as it had been noted to be in decline due to its slow growth and high use rates. Interviews with elders, carvers and healers indicated that the range has indeed diminished. A total island survey was performed and the resulting map of C. Inophyllum’s distribution indicates that the range is healthy- but it will continue to compete with human development for the diminishing resource of coastal terrain.

Main Content
For improved accessibility of PDF content, download the file to your device.
Current View